Echoes of the past, voices of the present: A feminist reading of Yajnaseni

Abstract

This paper explores Yajnaseni by Pratibha Ray through a feminist lens, examining how the novel reimagines Draupadi, the iconic heroine of the Mahabharata, as a complex and multi-dimensional character whose inner conflicts resonate with contemporary struggles for agency, autonomy, and identity. Unlike traditional depictions, Ray’s Draupadi is given a powerful, introspective voice that confronts and questions the patriarchal values imposed upon her, from her forced polyandrous marriage to her silenced suffering. This study analyzes the ways in which Ray uses Draupadi's first-person narration to reveal both the overt and subtle forms of oppression she endures, while highlighting her inner resilience and moral conviction. By situating Yajnaseni within modern feminist discourse, this paper examines how Draupadi’s voice becomes an empowering narrative tool that bridges ancient and contemporary understandings of womanhood, asserting a timeless call for female autonomy and respect. Through Draupadi’s journey, Ray critiques traditional expectations placed on women and invites readers to reimagine the epic heroine as a symbol of resistance, reflection, and reclamation in a timeless patriarchal landscape.